Features
Benefits of technology in learning
As the world advances in learning, efforts have been made by man to make use of technological developments to enhance learning to be able to promote learning in all its forms and facilitate learning and acquisition of knowledge.
It is for this reason that the way we learn today is changing from one form to the other. Many ears ago, face-to-face learning was the common practice in many parts of the world. This is what is known as traditional learning system. Today, this mode of learning has changed.
TRADITIONAL LEARNING SYSTEM
In many places, the traditional way of learning is being combined with technology in learning. For example, the traditional method of learning is being enriched by technological advancement through PowerPoint presentations and online learning. Some tertiary institutions refer to online learning as alternative learning. This form of alternative learning helps people all over the world to access learning materials irrespective of where they are located and also the nature of their work schedule.
Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills or values. It deals also with updating already acquired knowledge. Books and apprenticeship were predominantly used in acquiring new skills, but nowadays, with the help of technology, everything has been made simpler. In the past, the main source of information was the library.
BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY
With the help of technological devices such as computers and routers, information can be accessed from almost any location. Also, technology has found a way to solve problems associated with the older systems of learning. What all this means is that life has been made simpler and that man can take advantage of the benefits of technology to improve the social wellbeing in terms of learning.
The use of technology in learning, it is clear, has come to stay because it has brought great improvement in line with advancing knowledge to various categories of learners irrespective of their levels or where they are physically located. If technology has made this possible then it will be unwise for anyone to do away with technology in learning since obviously this will turn back the clock of progress in society.
Technological development overall started in a simple, gradual process. Man started making use of stones and other natural gadgets to develop himself. With time, this advanced into simple metals such as cutlasses and other tools used by man to promote social development at a certain level. This process has continued gradually until today when sophisticated implements, tools and gadget have been manufactured for use by man.
COLLABORATION IN LEARNING
Technology has continued in advancement until today making it possible for computers, phones, and other devices to be used in learning. This development has proved positive in the sense that it has helped to facilitate learning.
Technology has improved collaboration in learning. This is because both teachers and learners can interact outside the classroom or learning centre. When students have questions, a platform can be created to enable students to ask these questions and contribute as well. Before the spread of technology, when students had problems with a course or topic of any sort, the library was the major option.
There could also be friends and family with experience, but this is not guaranteed and is highly unlikely. This merit of technology has gone a long way in learning. The disadvantage about this is the fact that the learner is limited to a particular learning resource when so many can be explored. This is one of the ways technology has rendered services to learners.
EFFECTIVE USE OF TIME
Due to unforeseen circumstances, there can be a situation where either the teacher or learner, or both, will not be able to make it to the class. When this is the case, valuable time is either lost or wasted, and the students or learners start to lag behind. Now, even when these events occur, students are still able to learn because the teacher can forward learning materials to them. For example, if a lecturer or instructor is sick and cannot make it to a class, he or she can show the class the areas to read for that session. This paves the way for effective use of time.
There are some people who study better when with other people. But what happens when they are home and there is no one to study with? Everyone has different ways of learning. There are visual, auditory, read-and-write and kinaesthetic learners. Some are a combination of the four learning styles. Based on this, it can be said that it is not everyone who can use the library because it is not everyone who studies by reading.
In other words, we can say that the library being the only source of information serves as a disadvantage to some. With the help of technology, tutorial videos, audio books, online articles and images can be accessed to suit the various styles that people use to study. Briefly, we can say that technology aids individual learning.
TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS
Aside all this, it can also be said that it equips individuals with computer and other technological skills because of regular usage. Though what is being studied may not be about technology, it is very likely to acquire knowledge on how to use a technological device.
When a lay person goes to the library and that library is equipped with computers, the person can be taught some basic tasks or operations. These tasks may include turning on a computer, opening the browser and connecting to the internet and turning off a computer and so on.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
Some people may say technology has been a bad influence on the current generation and will be an even greater ‘disease’ to the up-and-coming generations. Some also say that learning and technology do not correlate because it serves as a distraction and increases laziness. This, however, is a very ignorant thing to say because technology has made learning very entertaining and has broadened the scope of learning also.
It was earlier stated that technology in learning boosts collaboration, makes up for time wasted, helps equip learners with technological skills and encourages individual learning. It is agreed that technology could be a menace in learning, but it is up to the user to determine that. Despite all this, technology has been effective with learning and has reaped so many benefits.
In conclusion, technology in learning can have its advantages and disadvantages. However, in the midst of the realities of today – pressure on time, staying in long distance spaces, difficulties in making oneself available for learning etc – it is clear that the benefits from technology in learning far overweigh continuous learning without technology or learning face to face.
By Dr. Kofi Amposah – Bediako
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
Conflict at work is more common than you might think. According to 2022 research by The Myers-Briggs Company, more than a third of the workforce reports dealing with conflict often, very often, or all the time in the workplace.
Addressing a dispute might feel tense or awkward, but resolving the conflict is typically well worth it in the long run. Whether you are trying to mediate conflict between colleagues or are directly involved. Last week we looked at three and this week is the remaining four steps you can take to manage workplace conflict.
4. Find common ground
The best way to handle workplace conflict is to start with what you can agree on. Find common ground between the people engaging in conflict. If you are directly involved in the conflict, slow down and focus on results instead of who’s right.
If you are the mediator for conflict resolution between coworkers, observe the discussion and help point out the common ground others may not see.
5. Collectively brainstorm solutions
When deciding how to handle workplace conflict, it can be tempting to problem-solve on your own. Sometimes, it feels easier to work independently rather than collaboratively. However, if you want to achieve a lasting resolution, you will need to motivate your team to get involved.
Brainstorm possible solutions together, and solicit input from everyone involved on the pros and cons of each option until you settle on a solution that feels comfortable to everyone. This will help all team members feel a sense of ownership that can help prevent future conflicts.
6. Create an action plan
Once you have created an open dialogue around workplace conflicts, it is time to resolve them. Just like any other work goal, this requires creating a concrete plan and following through.
Create an action plan and then act on it. It does not matter what the plan is, as long as you commit to it and resolve the conflict as a result.
7. Reflect on what you learned
All conflicts offer an opportunity to grow and become a better communicator. Identify what went well and what did not.
Work with your whole team to gather learnings from the conflict so you can avoid similar situations in the future.
Today, I continue with my narration of personalities and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland, with a focus on Mr Joseph Osei Amoah.
Mr Amoah is one of the senior members of the Ghanaian community in Finland and a top member of the Ghana Union Finland, an association of the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland.
He is an active and a well-respected person in the Ghanaian community in Finland. Mr Osei Amoah moved to Finland in the mid-1990s, and he has lived in Helsinki all this time.
Accomplishments and honours
It is important to recount accomplishments as part of the success stories of the personalities of Ghanaian descent in Finland in order to highlight their exploits both within the Ghanaian migrant community and in the wider Finnish society.
Mr Amoah holds a Master’s degree in Demography from the University of Helsinki. At the time he came to Finland in 1994, he had majored in Economics at the Bachelor’s level at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Sometimes affectionately called “Chairman” in the Ghanaian migrant community, Mr Osei is a former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) branch in Finland, assuming office around 2015, a few months after the branch was formed, until 2019 when he did not run again for the elections. He helped to bring vibrancy into the NPP Finland branch.
Religious life
Mr Amoah is a prominent member of the Global Methodist Church in Finland. In spite of his busy working life and other responsibilities, he remains a committed member of the Global Methodist Church in Finland.
He plays a key leadership role in the church, which is attended by many Ghanaian migrants and other African migrants, Finns, and those of other nationalities.
His position in Asanteman Finland
Mr Osei Amoah is an outstanding member of the Asanteman Finland, where he is the Gyasehene, a prominent position as a sub-chief in the Asante (and Akan) royal hierarchy, in the functioning of the traditional authority systemgenerally in Ghana.
The Asanteman Finland is an association formed purposely with the aim of supporting each other as well as to ensure unity among its members and others outside of the group.
One of its top priorities of Asanteman Finland is to display the Asante culture in Finland. Mr Osei Amoah finds this as very important since by upholding the traditional culture and heritage, the association enables its members and especially the young ones to get the chance to learn and appreciate Asante and Ghanaian cultural values. They do this through rites such as marriage, the naming ceremony, and death and funeral rites, which makes the people to learn more of their provenance and not forget their origins.
“My point is that, by displaying the traditional heritage it helps people to learn more about their provenance. For, I think it will be embarrassing to go home and see that even the young ones have much knowledge about how to perform certain rites whilst those of us in the diaspora may be deficient in understanding those practices”, he argued. It is also very important for the young ones who are born in Finland to learn what the culture of their original society is, he continued.
The Finnish educational system
Mr Osei has a lot to say about the Finnish educational system, which he sees as very good. “When we came to Finland, education was free. There were library books and manuscripts readily available in the library, and one could print or make as many photocopies as possible for your studies. There was more flexibility. One could read books and write exams on them for the necessary grades in order to complete your studies”. In his opinion, Ghana could learn much from the Finnish system, which is one of the best in the world.
He said the only initial challenge he found in Finland was how to master the Finnish language, without which it was difficult to get a job befitting one’s status after the studies. But things have changed today and there are many English courses so it is easy to study and get a job that matches your studies, especially in the area of ICT, he said.
His role in the Ghanaian community
Mr Osei Amoah has been very active in the Ghanaian community, as I have indicated earlier. He is still very active in the Ghana Union Finland, and has played a leadership in many functions organised by the Union, as a non-governmental organisation for the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland.
Mr Amoah has been a counsellor and mentor who has guided many young Ghanaian migrants on their career paths and has also been part in settling various kinds of conflicts between opposing parties or persons. In conclusion, I would say Mr Osei Amoah has succeeded in embossing his name in the golden pages of visionary Ghanaians in both Sweden and Finland.
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
